Thinking About a Water Softener?

Let’s Make it simple. honest. and a little bit brilliant.

If you’re here, you’re probably doing your homework.

You might have browsed online, spoken to friends, or even had a couple of quotes already. And now your head’s spinning a bit.

That’s where we come in.

At Hydroworks, we’ve helped thousands of families and businesses find the right water softener - not the most expensive, not the trendiest, just the right one.

Because we’re completely independent, we’re not tied to any one brand or target. Our advice is based on deep knowledge and over 26 years of unique hands-on experience - and it’s always honest.

You deserve to make an informed decision with confidence.

And myself and my team at Hydroworks are here to help make that happen.

Why the Industry Can Feel So Confusing

Let’s be honest - every manufacturer and reseller claims to have the “best” softener.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re being told ten different things by ten different people.

A common source of confusion is the Harvey Water Softeners product range.

You’ll see names like Minimax, TwinTec, Gemini and Harvey - and depending on who’s speaking, one might be described as better than the other.

But the truth? Often, it’s the same machine in a different cabinet, branded for different sales routes, and they may have different guarantees too.

At Hydroworks, we take the time to cut through the noise. No jargon. No nonsense. Just the facts, clearly explained, so you can make a choice that truly suits your home or business.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Harvey’s Product Generations: A Simple Guide 

Harvey has spent decades refining their water softeners - each new generation bringing smarter technology and greater efficiency. Here’s a clear, simple guide to help you navigate the evolution:

1st Generation

• Crown Block Salt Softener
  
  An early classic, still available online as a budget-friendly option. The Crown is a no-frills softener with lower flow rates and higher salt and water usage compared to newer models.  
  
  

  It typically comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s guarantee, although some online resellers advertise extended warranties. But be careful—there’s a catch: these are often return-to-base guarantees, meaning if something goes wrong, you are responsible for uninstalling and returning the unit to them—at your own cost and inconvenience.

2nd Generation

• Minimax M1
• TwinTec S2​
• Dualflo

    (The Dualflo is the current budget trade model)

3rd Generation

These softeners were tested to 100,000 cycles but had a higher failure rate than later models, which is why they are no longer sold.

• Minimax M2 
• TwinTec S3
• Harveys HV3​
  
  
  
  

4th Generation

Launched in January 2020.

These three softeners all feature the same flow rates, performances and efficiencies.  They all use the original rectangular 4kg blocks of salt. 

These softeners are tested to 1-million cycles and have an astonishingly low 0.2% failure rate.

• Minimax M3
• TwinTec S4

5th Generation

The Elite range of softeners are the latest generation.  They all use the new mini-curve salt, which was released with significant success in December 2020.

Harvey Softeners launched these three exclusive 'named' softeners to its premier dealer network, and it also sells a version of it directly.

Each of these softeners is eco-friendly and operates on patented curve salt to guarantee purity. They all enjoy super high flow capabilities, the best performance, and the best efficiencies.  Curve salt is also lighter in weight and has better price protection than the larger salt used in the 4th generation models.

From over 200 companies within the UK industry, just 28 local businesses (including Hydroworks) have been selected to market premium quality Minimax and TwinTec products.

The Harvey Arc is available directly from Harvey Softeners via their sales reps.

These softeners are also tested to 1-million cycles and have an astonishingly low 0.2% failure rate.

• Minimax Innova Mini-Curve Block Salt Softener
  
  (The Minimax Innova features a 10-year parts guarantee, exclusive to selected Minimax Dealers like Hydroworks)
  
  
  
• TwinTec Cobalt and S5 (same machine, different cabinet)
  
  (10-year parts guarantee, exclusive to selected TwinTec Dealers)
  
  
  
• Harveys Arc
  
  (3-year parts guarantee, exclusive to Harvey Softeners direct sales team)
  

Large Capacity Softeners for Big Homes & Commercial Use

Harvey’s larger 1” models are still available and incredibly popular thanks to their high flow rates, low salt usage, and guaranteed soft water - even in big homes or busy settings.

• Minimax Major (Block or Tablet Salt)
  
  - The Minimax Major is a super-powerful option for larger homes or businesses, capable of supporting up to four bathrooms.
  
  
• Minimax Big Blue (Tablet Salt)
  
  - Built for high demand - the Minimax Big Blue is ideal for commercial premises or properties with up to eight bathrooms.